The BetVictor Northern Ireland Open returns to Belfast once again next month, with Mark Allen aiming to make it of hat-trick of successive victories in his homeland.
By Tomos Wyn Jones
The tournament at the marvellous Waterfront Hall in the centre of Belfast runs from October 22-29. Tickets start from just £15, or you can buy an all-day ticket for the opening day on Sunday October 22, when most of the top 16 seeds will be in action, for just £25. For all details click here.
If you’re planning a trip to Belfast, there’s so much to do in this great city…
Getting to Belfast
The nearest train station to the venue is Lanyon Place, an eight-minute walk from the Waterfront. Belfast is easily accessible by road, and if you’re coming from England, Scotland or the Isle of Man, there are regular ferry crossings. There are two airports in Belfast. City Airport is just a few minutes by taxi from the city centre, while International Airport is around 30 minutes away. For all travel options click here.
The Venue
The renowned Waterfront Hall is set to stage the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open for the sixth time since 2017. For the rest if the year, the venue hosts live music, comedy and entertainment shows. Upcoming acts include The Bootleg Beatles and Ulster Orchestra. For details click here.
The City
Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland, with a population of just under 350,000 people. There is so much to do in this famous location.
Titanic Belfast
This visitor attraction extends over nine galleries. On the tour you will explore the history behind the famous passenger liner, from her conception in Belfast to the catastrophic accident in 1912. For more information click here.
City Hall
In the centre of Donegall Square you can find City Hall, which is the headquarters of Belfast City Council, just ten minutes walk from the Waterfront. It is open to the public all week and provides daily tours of the building for visitors to see the art collection and formal rooms. There is also a coffee shop on site.
St George’s Market
Located on the footsteps of the Waterfront Hall, St George’s Market is renowned for its fresh local produce and has won multiple awards, including the UK’s Best Large Indoor Market 2023. Open from Friday to Sunday, it is the perfect place to enjoy some local delicacies before watching the snooker action later in the day.
For more information on the city’s attractions click here or here
Local Food and Drink
Belfast is renowned for the Ulster Fry breakfast, or as the weather gets colder, warm up with an Irish Stew of lamb, potatoes, carrots, onion, leeks and cabbage, served with soda bread. To enjoy this with a pint of Irish stout, head to the Crown Liquor Saloon, which was built in 1826.
